Fort De Soto a One Tank Trip from Tampa Florida

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you can find yourself absorbed in the abundance of pure beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology isn’t immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life may be the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.

Fort De Soto a One Tank Trip from Tampa Florida

 

The largest park inside the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres consisting of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and numerous native plants. All of these species plays a crucial role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

Another amazing example of the significance of the park’s natural ecosystems is the more than 328 species of birds New species are being added each and every year. The beach also provides refuge to the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests between April and September.

Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Trip Advisor, the world’s largest online travel community. In 2005, “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach. Annual park attendance averages in excess of 2.7 million visitors.

Amenities:

Historic fort guide Adobe Acrobat Reader file
Over 7 miles of waterfront, includes almost three miles of gorgeous white sandy beach.
800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks. see boat ramp permit
Camping – 238-site family camping area with facilities
Primitive youth camping area for organized youth groups
15 picnic shelters -reserve shelters online
Restrooms – locations
Playgrounds
Multipurpose trail – seven miles of paved trail connecting North Beach, East Beach, the boat ramp and the camping area. No motorized vehicles allowed.
Two large swim centers together with a food concession area located at the North Beach Swim Center
Pinellas County provides lifeguards at designated swim areas from March to September (Labor Day). Hours of operation may vary due to staff availability and varying weather conditions. Check lifeguard towers for conditions and coverage. Be aware of conditions – swim at your own risk.
Two fishing piers-each pier has a food and bait concession – Gulf & Bay Pier Hours: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Ferry service to Egmont Key
Concession/snack bar/souvenir shop
Quartermaster Museum
6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort.
2.25-mile recreational canoe trail.
1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature trail in the Soldiers’ Hole area provides a glimpse of some the native fauna and flora2,200 foot Barrier-Free Nature Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail providing access to nature for all visitors to Fort De Soto Park, regardless of their physical abilities.

Dog park:

Please review dog park rules. Fort De Soto offers the only dog park where dogs are permitted on the beach in a designated area. Additionally, there are 2 fenced in areas close to the beach for large and small dogs with water stations.

History:

The park property was initially purchased from the federal government in 1938 for $12,500. In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal government for $18,404 to be utilized as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. The property was repurchased from the United States in 1948 for $26,500.

The 12-inch mortar battery, found at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. Markers showing the original building locations and a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum add to the park’s historic interest.

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